Name:     Briyanna Moore
Major:     Biology (Pre-PA concentration)  
Mentor:   N/A                           
Department:  N/A                  

Hello, my name is Briyanna Moore. For my WRIT 1120H Research Project, I decided to focus on the significance of hair to the Black community. My inspiration for choosing this topic was the various conversations we had and the several works of storytelling we read in class that addressed this topic. The different hairstyles that pertain to my community is also something that has always been innately important to me. Thus my goal for this project was to explore, for myself, the reasons why I and other black people feel a sense of protection of our hair; and put the information that I found in an accessible way for others outside of the black community to be able to learn from. I hope you enjoy the video, and thank you for watching!

Name:     Sarah Blake
Major:     Forensic Chemistry and English  
Mentor:   Stephannie Gearhart, Amy Cook    
Department:  English

My honors project/senior English thesis weighs the pros and cons of including Shakespeare in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) classrooms. Even with England's long history with colonialism and the problematic claims of Shakespeare's universalism, Shakespeare, when taught responsibly, can still be valuable in this context. Other cultures have adopted Shakespeare and reimagined him as their own, so showing students the original English works can be a valuable study in cultural comparisons and a starting point for discussions. His works demonstrate language skills and give students confidence to handle difficult texts. Studying Shakespeare can be fun and rewarding to ESOL students, especially when these students are supported with visuals, abridged versions, and in-class exercises. This knowledge can be applied to TESOL classrooms of diverse backgrounds and varying ability levels.

Name:     Micaela Wenning, Heidi Gordon, Alexis Farthing, Kobe Richie
Major:     Social work  
Mentor:   Hee Soon Lee    
Department: Health and Human Services: Social Work

False representation and stigmatization of physical disabilities has a negative impact on how people view physically disabled individuals and how these negative views in society lead to the further oppression of this group (Baglieri & Lalvani, 2019). We examined how physically disabled people are impacted by language, education, media, and jobs. Using existing scholarly literature, we formulated our findings on the negative viewpoints of physically disabled individuals in these specific areas of their lives. The findings indicate that physically disabled people are viewed differently and stigmatized in language, education, media, and jobs, which impacts them greatly in their daily lives. We conclude that there is not enough research on the social impact that the stigma of language, education, media, and jobs has on physically disabled people. Almost all research on disabled people is done by nondisabled people, creating an outsider view on disabled people's issues. We suggest that disabled people need to be at the forefront of research, so that an insider's view is included in the process, ensuring that their culture, diversity, and disability are thoroughly recognized accurately without bias.

Name:     Elizabeth Farren
Major:     Psychology  
Mentor:   Jessica Birch    
Department: Ethnic Studies

In the United States, there are federally 567 tribes, 66 state-recognized tribes, and 400 additional tribes that do not fall under either category. A history of colonization, genocide, and forced assimilation has deprived Native Americans of their tribal sovereignty, as well as their ability to build adequate infrastructures and equity. Likewise, the United States government has forced tribal nations to adapt government and patriarchal systems that resemble Euro-centric legal systems, therefore labeling Native Americans as lawless. Colonizers also introduced and imposed gender roles on Native American's and their cultural. As a result, Native American women’s oppression, and increased experience of domestic and sexual violence, is due to the neglect and violence their tribes have experienced as a result of colonization and loss of tribal sovereignty. Native American culture continues to be devalued as a result of colonization and pervasive stereotypes, which are legitimized through federal and state laws that impede on tribal sovereignty, as jurisdictional barriers prevent Native women from gaining protection and justice. This presentation not only outlines how historical oppression and trauma has perpetuated and normalized violence against Native American women and their cultural devaluation, but offers federal, legal, infrastructural, and tribal solutions that would help Native American women regain their self-determination and cultural identity through culturally based practices designed to restore tribal sovereignty.

Name:     Alexia Larson
Major:     Gerontology  
Mentor:   Laura Landry-Meyer    
Department: Family Consumer Science

Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) experience discrimination. With approximately 70% of people over age of 65 estimated to utilize long-term care (LTC) and an expected 5 million people over age 65 who identify as LGBT by the year 2030 (AARP, 2021), the identification of support needed to overcome discrimination obstacles is needed. Using a meta-analysis of research literature, I focused on the obstacles, such as fear of abuse, physical and mental health complications, and financial limitations. The research is to inform the LTC Ombudsman program’s staff and volunteer training in northwest Ohio. The LTC Ombudsman advocates for residents’ rights and monitors LTC. Using the purpose to advocate for an inclusive approach to support and LTC, results will inform a training program. Sensitivity training and awareness about LGBT older adults’ needs in a residential setting can overcome obstacles related to LGBT discrimination is effective (Holman et. al, 2020). Training topics will be recommended for LTC Ombudsman volunteers and staff for the northwest Ohio office.

Name:     Aliza Johnson. Da'Jzah Ravish, Chelsey Crouse, Caleigh Instone
Major:     Social Work  
Mentor:   HeeSoon Lee    
Department:  College of Health and Human Services

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected many individual’s mental health and created new barriers for individuals who already suffer from a mental illness and substance use disorders. The purpose of this study is to inform individuals about the effects that COVID-19 has on mental health and the shortages of mental health providers due to COVID-19 restrictions. The method we used during this study was the use of scholarly articles. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 has a clear effect on mental health as the pandemic progresses. “As the pandemic wears on, ongoing and necessary public health measures expose many people to experiencing situations linked to poor mental health outcomes, such as isolation and job loss” (Panchal & Kamal 20221). As social workers, our focus is to help individuals who are experiencing mental health disorders, in order to get them the help or resources they may need. Key words: COVID-19, mental health, symptoms, long-term effects, short-term effects

Name:     Madeline Gibbons, Alex Rood, Naia Oyler
Major:     Social Work  
Mentor:   Hee Soon Lee    
Department:  Health and Human Services

Ageism is a problem that has existed for as long as humans have. The term ageism itself was not coined until the late 1960s (Lev). All functioning societies have been withstanding the discriminatory practices, as ageist beliefs and behaviors act as a “two way street”, with discriminatory acts targeting both younger and older individuals for perceived characteristics and stereotypes as well. While there is research being actively done on discrimination towards younger people, most of research done presently focuses on the elderly. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the language and actions of the movie characters change over time and affect others. The methods we used to gather our information was through scholarly articles and movies of our choice for each decade, beginning in the 1960s and ending in the 2010s. Our findings suggest that a competent social worker must bring awareness to the bias and behaviors of ageism, and to bring direct support through services and support personal development.

Name:     Sidney Kennard-Sheldon, Helen Miller, Grace Thumann
Major:     Social Work  
Mentor:   Hee Soon Lee    
Department:  Department of Health and Human Services

In the world that we live in today, things can seem better than they really are. How have opinions and policies have evolved (or not evolved) for the LGBTQ+ community now, in 2021? The way that we treat people can change them for life. Not to mention, as social workers, we should approach every individual with no bias and lots of compassion. This is all about some hidden struggles that this diverse community goes through in their lives, particularly relating to discrimination, healthcare, and mental health disparities.

Name:     Madison Oltersdorf, Faith Gooch, Hadlee Burns, Jadean Frost
Major:     Social Work  
Mentor:   Hee Soon Lee    
Department:  Social Work

In society, there is a clear line between the roles of women and men. These socially constructed gender roles have a direct affect on the discrimination and oppression of women and how women are the main target of domestic abuse. “Domestic violence against women is an age old phenomenon. Women have always been considered weak, vulnerable and in a position to be exploited.” (Kaur & Garg, 2008). In recent years, the world has been in a nation wide pandemic due to Coronavirus AKA COVID-19. In our studies, we found that COVID-19 has had a direct effect on victims of domestic violence as there have been state emergencies and “stay at home” orders leading to lockdowns and causing women to be isolated with their abusers. During the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic-violence fatalities were 14% higher than during the same period in 2019 (Kuhlman, 2020). We looked at how the rates of domestic violence in previous years have increased compared to recent studies because of COVID19. As social workers our focus is to help women make a plan during a time while things are still shut down, so that the rates of domestic violence can decrease and more victims can be helped.

Name:     Chloe Cox, Savannah Nygren, Rachel Mccracker, Sidney Posey
Major:     Social Work  
Mentor:   HeeSoon Lee    
Department:  Social Work

Racism has been an issue in the United States since the colonizers came here in the 1600’s, and as a country we have barely addressed this issue.“Anti-Asian discrimination and assaults have increased significantly during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, contributing to a “secondary contagion” of racism”(Chen,Zhang,Liu 2020). The experiences of Asian Americans is a result of the negative effects of a combination of the implicit bias lurking in the minds of Americans, the systematic oppression they face and the extravagant increase of hate crimes as a result of the rapid spread of Covid-19. These things have a direct effect on the mental health decline, injuries, and deaths of Asian Americans in our country and deserve immediate attention, research and action. We can advocate for Asian American communities by demolishing stereotypes about Asian Americans, implementing policy that protects Asian Americans during this time (combating hate crimes, discrimination and racist phrases) and educating students on the systematic oppression Asian Americans have face in this country for years, as well as increasing the demand for bilingual health professionals to help ensure that Asian Americans have access to the health care they need.

Name:     Sam Beery
Major:     Psychology  
Mentor:   Eric Dubow    
Department:  Psychology

The United States has been deeply affected by Covid-19. As of March 7th, more than 29 million Americans have been infected with the virus and more than 520,000 have died. These deaths account for approximately 21% of the world’s Covid-19 deaths, even though the US population accounts for only 4.23% of the global population. This disproportionate rate of infection in the US is further exacerbated in its interaction with another comparatively inflated population of American society – incarcerated individuals. With an incarceration rate greater than any other country, infrastructure conducive to spreading the disease, and highly vulnerable populations within; the US prison system is a giant petri dish for Covid-19. In addition to the negative physical effects of Covid-19 exposure, the threat of infection itself can promote psychological distress as well. While the effect of Covid-19 on the mental health of general populations has been studied, there has been little research into the effect the pandemic has had on the mental well-being of prisoners. The aim of this research is to ascertain the levels of stress and depression due to the pandemic experienced by prisoners, and the religious and general coping strategies utilized in response. These variables will be measured through a 91-item survey on Qualtrics distributed to returned citizens who were in prison during the pandemic.

Name:     Rachel Coyne
Major:     Social Work  
Mentor:   HeeSoon Lee    
Department:  College of Health and Human Services

In today’s schooling, growing up in a low income family can affect the quality of a child’s education because there is a great difference among school districts (Rouse & Barrow, 2006.) This distinction has more to do with the school’s structural support rather than the child’s personal commitment. The school that a child attends may not have been the family’s first choice, but since location plays an important factor in determining where a child receives their education, it may have been the only option for the time being. This education can impact a child’s long term plans in life such as college and career choice just as much as the short term effects of school involvement and social progress. We examined whether the behavior and resources made by that wealth and social advantage affect educational attainment. Our findings suggest that the funding that these inner city schools are receiving is not substantial to achieve a high quality education. What is needed is more funding for these districts so that they are able to provide their students with the proper resources that are imperative for success.

Name:     Taylor Parkhurst, Kylee Bain, Maia Barnes, Shyanne Wingfield
Major:     Social Work  
Mentor:   Hee Soon Lee    
Department:  Social Work

Today, beauty has become prioritized and used to determine a person’s value based on appearance. This occurs in public, classrooms, home, and in the workplace. Salaries and expectations are based on a person’s appearance and there are many stereotypes associated with specific outfits, subcultures, race, weight, and ways of living. (Adomaitis, et al., 2017). The purpose of this study is to look at wage differences based on appearance, how people are impacted based on lookism, and how plastic surgery is a growing popularity. We looked at how people are affected negatively in their everyday lives, how we can work with them individually, and how to prevent lookism from occurring. Key Words: beauty, bias, lookism

Name:     Tiarra Tufts
Major:     Arts Education  
Mentor:   Mille Guldbeck    
Department:  School of Art

Through this presentation, I will be expressing my personal struggle with race and art. I will be touching upon the fact that the field of visual arts has historically been dominated by Western European viewpoints. Due to this, many people of color, including myself often feel as though they cannot relate to the history of painting. I will be informing my audience about the highly respected artist, Kerry James Marshall and how I relate to his work as a black artist in America. Lastly, this presentation will educate my audience about how I will be pushing to improve this situation in my own teaching by using more examples of artists of color for my future students. Doing so will allow more people of color to feel welcomed to the art world and bring more diversity to art. Not only will this bring more people to art, but it will also help inspire future works of art that we would have never seen if these same people were pushed away from the art world, instead of welcomed in.

Name:     Erin Coran
Major:     Communication Sciences and Disorders  
Mentor:   Brittany Joseph, Michelle Weber
Department:  Counseling and Special Education

Utilizing the timeless art forms of quilting and embroidery, I hope to expand the fields of both community art and disability studies through a collaborative quilt project with Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD). During a facilitated workshop, nine artists with intellectual/developmental disabilities decorated triangle quilt pieces with images and phrases about their favorite recreation, athletic, and self-advocacy opportunities offered at WCBDD. Following this workshop, I utilized embroidery art to embellish and enhance the drawings and colorings done by the participants. The nine triangles will then be hand-stitched together into a pyramid shape, representing the WCBDD logo. Finally, the quilt will be hand assembled together by community members with and without disabilities. Through the displaying of this community quilt, the creative and applied research elements of this project will continue to promote diversity and inclusion throughout Bowling Green. Although the final quilt will ultimately be a gift to WCBDD, the community at large will hopefully benefit from the showcasing of this quilt on BGSU’s campus as well as other staple Bowling Green locations. Viewers of this quilt will hopefully be positively impacted by the talented and dynamic artwork of my friends from Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities for years to come.

Name:     Li Post
Major:     Integrated Language Arts Education  
Mentor:   Joanna Weaver. Sheri Wells-Jensen
Department:  Department of Education

This presentation will begin with a discussion of the glossed-over history of colonialism and nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands by the United States government and its long-lasting effects on the Marshallese culture, education system, and displacement from ancestral lands. Furthermore, despite the United States' acceptance of Marshallese immigrants without visas through the Compact of Free Association (1983) treaties, U.S. schools and educators have not been equipped with information and resources that can be used to address the cultural and linguistic diversity of their new neighbors. In Ohio, for instance, standardized testing has not been made available in Marshallese, meaning that regardless of some students’ legal rights to testing materials in their native language, local schools cannot accommodate. This controversy and other important issues, including linguistic and cultural barriers in the classroom, faced by Marshallese immigrants within the United States education system today will be noted alongside a call for possible resolutions.

Name:     Amanda Pobega
Major:     Geography  
Mentor:   Yu Zhou    
Department:  Geography

Atlantic County, New Jersey is geographically located on the east coast of the United States. Atlantic City is the largest municipality in the county. Atlantic County’s largest source of revenue is tourism and entertainment. Before the pandemic of 2020, about 27 million people visit this area every year and that brings in about 6.5 billion dollars. This project will use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to map social, economic, and environmental inequality of Atlantic County. Based on U.S. Census data, the Atlantic County population consisted of 67% White, 16% Black, 18% Hispanic (of all races) and 8% Asian in 2010-2015. The diversity, however, is larger around Atlantic City area. The map indicates that minorities are concentrated on the east and northeast coastal areas of Atlantic City, where worker forces are predominant in the service industry. In 2019, the median household income was $62,110 in Atlantic County. But the median household income was much lower in and around Atlantic City, with only $29,232. The map indicates that the low-income areas are concentrated in coast areas east and northeast areas of Atlantic City. The map also displays the differences in house ownership. In east and northeast of Atlantic City, the renter occupied housing units are much higher than the owner-occupied housing units. The coastal areas of east and northeast of Atlantic City are also facing possible challenges from climate change. The map indicates that many minority concentrated areas are low land and will be flooded if sea level raises one foot.